Salem Statesman: Dixon, Ducks to kick off post-Clemens era

Oregon's eyes are on the prize: a 10-1 season

GARY HOROWITZ

Statesman Journal

Will the Ducks' offense continue to motor efficiently without injured quarterback Kellen Clemens, who is out for the season with a fractured ankle? Can Dixon handle the pressure California's defense is sure to bring today in his first career start?

The answer to these questions will speak volumes in determining whether No. 15 Oregon can stay on pace for a 10-1 season. "I've got confidence in (Dixon), so I'm not worried about it," tailback Terrence Whitehead said. Today's game will be the first time Clemens has not started for the Ducks since the 2002 season, a span of 32 games. Brady Leaf, who has moved into the backup quarterback role, also could play. Both quarterbacks are excited for the challenge. "I'm thrilled," Dixon said. "Seeing that I'm from California and I'm playing against a California team, that's a bonus. I've got to come out here composed." With an inexperienced quarterback, the Ducks could rely more on their running game. That would be fine with Whitehead, who has received fewer carries than last season when he rushed for 1,144 yards. Cal coach Jeff Tedford doesn't expect to see any drastic changes in Oregon's spread offense. "They're going to spread it out and they're going to throw it," Tedford said, "run the ball with the quarterback and he can do it. It wasn't like there's a lot of difference between the physical makeup of Kellen and Dixon. Absolutely the experience factor is there."

The 23rd-ranked Golden Bears have a first-year starter of their own under center. Joe Ayoob, a junior college transfer, has been inconsistent, so Cal has relied more on its running game. Marshawn Lynch was expected to be a premier back this season after rushing for 628 yards and a sparkling 8.8-yards per carry average in 2004 as a backup to J.J. Arrington. A broken finger caused Lynch to miss two games early this season, and Justin Forsett emerged in his absence. They are the only running back combination in the Pacific-10 Conference averaging more than 100 yards per game. "Coming into the season we knew Marshawn Lynch was going to be one of the most explosive running backs in the country," Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. "Little did we know that they would have two running backs like that." Both teams are already bowl eligible, but the winner of today's game -- Oregon is a 2 1/2-point favorite puts itself in position for the Holiday Bowl, which will have representatives at the game. If Oregon wins out, the Ducks could figure into the equation for a Bowl Championship Series berth if they are ranked among the top 12 in the final BCS standings released Dec. 4. The Ducks were No. 13 in the BCS this week. "There's no reason we can't," wide receiver Demetrius Williams said of going 10-1. "If we stop ourselves is the biggest thing."